Liverpool FC’s A?32.5 million summer signing, Christian Benteke, scored on his Anfield debut to give his side a 1-0 win over recently promoted Bournemouth. However, the new goal was offside as per the new Premier League rules.
Liverpool FC moved up to the third position on the league table after successive victories over Stoke City and Bournemouth. Speaking after the match, Christian Benteke praised his new teammates for their spirit and desire while commenting on the controversial ‘offside goal’ which gave Liverpool FC three important points.
The Belgian striker got on the end of a Jordan Henderson free-kick in the 27th minute and fired home from close range. However, Philippe Coutinho was clearly seen standing in an offside position when the free-kick was taken and even though the Brazilian failed to connect to the in-swinging cross, he did make an attempt.
According to the new Premier League regulations, if a player attempts a shot on the goal while his team-mate makes a play for the ball from an off-side position, the goal will be disallowed even if he failed to make a connection with the ball. Benteke’s goal was clearly offside as per the new regulations and the recently promoted side will feel hard done by two controversial refereeing decisions which cost them the game.
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Here’s Christian Benteke discussing his ‘offside’ goal following the win: